Question: Upon the arrival of the month of Ramadhaan, we hear many people congratulating one another on its arrival by saying: “Congratulations to you on [the arrival of] the month of Ramadhaan”. So is there any legal basis for this? Provide us with a fatwa, and may you be rewarded.

Response: There is no harm in extending greetings on the arrival of the month of Ramadhaan, because the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would give glad tidings to his Companions on the arrival of the month of Ramadhaan, and he would encourage them to exert themselves with noble actions [during this month]. And Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says:

{Say: “In the bounty of Allaah, and in His Mercy – therein let them rejoice.” That is better than what (the wealth) they amass}, Soorah Yoonus, Aayah 58

So extending greetings for this month and [showing] happiness at its arrival is indicative of the desire for that which is good. And the Pious Predecessors would give glad tidings to one another on the arrival of the month of Ramadhaan – following the example of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as occurs in the long hadeeth of Salmaan in which the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: